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Premarin Tablets

(conjugated estrogens)

In this factsheet:
• How does Premarin Tablets work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Premarin Tablets?
• What form(s) does Premarin Tablets come in?
• Who should NOT take Premarin Tablets?
• What side effects are possible with Premarin Tablets?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Premarin Tablets?
• What other drugs could interact with Premarin Tablets?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Premarin Tablets work? What will it do for me?

Conjugated estrogens belong to the class of medications known as estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is a female hormone that is produced by the ovaries. Once menopause is reached, the ovaries produce less estrogen and symptoms of menopause can occur.

Conjugated estrogen is an estrogen replacement hormone used for the management of menopausal symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding (spotting), hot flashes, sweating, and chills. It is also used by women to prevent and treat osteoporosis, in cases where non-estrogen medications have already been considered. It is used to replace estrogen hormones in situations where the body can no longer produce estrogen. It is also used to treat a condition where the tissues of the vagina become weak (vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Premarin Tablets?

The recommended adult dose of conjugated estrogens ranges from 0.3 mg to 1.25 mg daily, depending on the condition being treated. It is recommended that this medication be taken at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest duration required to treat the condition. Tablets can either be taken every day or in a cycle such as 25 days on the medication each month and 5 days off.

Women who have not had their uterus removed should also take a progestogen (a different type of female hormone that protects the uterus from potential harmful effects caused by estrogen) for 10 to 14 days each month, or every day (depending on the hormone strength and whether a menstrual period is desired or not). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the advantages and disadvantages of the different dosing schedules of estrogen and progestogen.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Premarin Tablets come in?

0.3 mg
Each green, oval, sugar-coated tablet, imprinted with "Premarin" contains conjugated estrogens CSD 0.3 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium sulfate anhydrous, carnauba wax, edible ink, FD&C Blue No. 2, glyceryl monooleate, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, methylcellulose, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, povidone, sodium benzoate, stearic acid, sucrose and titanium dioxide. Energy: 4.19 kJ (1.0 kcal)/0.3 mg. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.024 mg)/0.3 mg. Alcohol-, gluten-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free.

0.625 mg
Each maroon, oval, sugar-coated tablet, imprinted with "Premarin" contains conjugated estrogens CSD 0.625 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium sulfate anhydrous, carnauba wax, edible ink, erythrosine aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Yellow No. 6, glyceryl monooleate, gum acacia, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium benzoate, stearic acid, sucrose and titanium dioxide. Energy: 4.19 kJ (1.0 kcal)/0.625 mg. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.0001 mg)/0.625 mg. Alcohol-, gluten-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free.

0.9 mg
Each pink, oval, sugar-coated tablet, imprinted with "Premarin" contains conjugated estrogens CSD 0.9 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium sulfate anhydrous, carnauba wax, edible ink, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Red No. 3, glyceryl monooleate, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 60, propylparaben, shellac, stearic acid, sucrose and titanium dioxide. Energy: 4.19 kJ (1.0 kcal)/0.9 mg. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.661 mg)/ 0.9 mg. Alcohol-, gluten-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free.

1.25 mg
Each yellow, oval, sugar-coated tablet, imprinted with "Premarin" contains conjugated estrogens CSD 1.25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium sulfate anhydrous, carnauba wax, edible ink, FD&C Yellow No. 6, glyceryl monooleate, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, polyethylene glycol, quinoline yellow lake, stearic acid, sucrose and titanium dioxide. Energy: 4.19 kJ (1.0 kcal)/1.25 mg. Sodium: <1 mmol (0.016 mg)/1.25 mg. Alcohol-, gluten-, sulfite- and tartrazine-free.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Premarin Tablets?

This medication should not be used by anyone who:

• has a history of known or suspected estrogen-dependent tumours such as breast or uterine cancer
• has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• is or may be pregnant
• has active liver disease or dysfunction, especially of the obstructive type
• has active thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, or thromboembolic disorders (blood clotting problems)
• has endometrial hyperplasia (increase in the thickness of the lining of the uterus)
• experiences "classical" migraines (migraines that are preceded by an aura)
• is allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication

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